Fundraising page for those affected by Heysham explosion in Lancashire raises £40,000

The fundraising page was set up to help those affected by the explosion in Heysham, Lancashire

A fundraising page set up to help those affected by a suspected gas explosion in Lancashire, has raised more than forty thousand pounds.

The blast ripped through several houses on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Two-year-old George Arthur Hinds was killed in the explosion, four other people were injured.

A fundraising page, set up yesterday by a nearby pub, the Hurley Flyer, has now raised more than £40,000. Organisers say the money raised will be shared between those families whose homes have been lost.

The community has pulled together with a huge collection of clothes and toiletries at the local scout hut Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Local residents are also coordinating a collection of new clothes and toiletries to help families affected by the blast.

Gofundme page raises thousands for victims of Heysham explosion

The parents of George Arthur Hinds, who themselves were injured in the explosion, released a statement, describing their son as 'a beautiful little angel'.

Vicky Studholme and Stephen Hinds said:

"We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful George.

"He was so precious to us. We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened. Our beautiful little angel grew his wings today."

Two other people – a man aged 44 and a woman aged 50 - remain in hospital with injuries described as critical.

Flowers and tributes left at the scene of the explosion on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Enquiries into the cause of the explosion are now underway and are likely to take some time.

The explosion ripped through two houses in Heysham, police are still trying to find out what caused the blast Credit: ITV Granada Reports

Chief Insp Chris Hardy, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “This appalling incident has resulted in the loss of a young boy’s life and has left two others with very serious injuries. My thoughts today are with George’s family and loved ones at this sad time, as well as those others affected by this incident.

 

“While we have today started our enquiries, alongside our partners, into what led to yesterday’s explosion I must stress that we are faced with an extremely complex scene which needs painstaking and forensic investigation. I appreciate that the community are concerned and want answers but I’m afraid it is likely to take some considerable time before we are in a position to provide them.

 

“I would like to appeal to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation to come forward and contact us. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant or irrelevant please tell us and we can be the judge.

 

“I would also ask that people try and avoid speculating about what may have happened and what the cause of this tragic incident may have been and give police and partners the time and space to make the enquiries they need to get to the truth.”  

Police cordon remains at the scene of the explosion in Heysham as police continue to investigate what caused the blast Credit: ITV Granada Reports

A safety cordon remains in place while safety work and enquiries continue.

 

A number of residents were evacuated and continue to be looked after by the local authority.

Diane Campbell lives on the affected road and was evacuated from her home on Sunday. She says the community has really pulled together:

Gas service engineers continue working to make the area safe.

 

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0180 of May 16th or on the Major Incident Portal

You can find the GoFundMe page here